Rwanda has condemned U.S. sanctions targeting officials tied to conflict in the DRC. The U.S. Treasury highlighted Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebel group, which has recently captured significant cities, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis. Despite these sanctions, Rwanda asserts its actions are necessary for national security. The DRC welcomed the sanctions, calling for further international actions against Rwanda.
The Rwandan government has expressed strong opposition to recent U.S. sanctions levied against its Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Kabarebe, as well as M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka, citing their involvement in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly through support for the M23 rebel group.
Following the sanctions announcement, Rwanda’s foreign ministry criticized the measures as “unjustified and unfounded.” The M23 rebels continue to advance, recently taking control of key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
Western nations have accused Rwanda of providing support to the M23 rebels, including arms and military assistance from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). In response, the Treasury indicated that Kabarebe was crucial to sustaining this support, which is linked to ongoing violence and human rights abuses in the DRC.
Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Bradley Smith, stated, “Today’s action underscores our intent to hold accountable key officials and leaders… who are enabling the RDF and M23’s destabilizing activities in the eastern DRC.” Rwanda, however, maintains its focus is on securing its borders and combating ethnic extremism.
Rwanda’s ministry articulated that the imposition of sanctions would not contribute to long-term peace and stable security in the Great Lakes region. The DRC government welcomed the U.S. sanctions, seeking more robust actions from the UN and European Union to compel Rwanda to withdraw its forces.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, while addressing G20 foreign ministers, labeled reported Rwandan troop involvement as a serious breach of the UN Charter, with the potential to escalate into broader conflict. In contrast, China reiterated its support for African solutions to African problems, opposing external interference in the continent’s affairs.
The recent U.S. sanctions against Rwandan officials implicate Rwanda in ongoing violence in the DRC, particularly supportive actions toward the M23 rebel group. Despite Rwanda’s complaints about these sanctions, DRC officials seek increased international pressure to address these issues. The situation reflects broader geopolitical tensions in the region, with implications for peace and security in the Great Lakes area.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
